Mars boys get closer to state lacrosse title with quarterfinal win
UNIVERSITY PARK — Breaking a team's confidence is something the Mars boys lacrosse team manages to do in nearly every game.
With a spot in the Class 2A state semifinals on the line, the Planets' quick-strike offense dealt a major blow to Susquehannock's chances.
In just over three minutes of play, from late in the first half to early in the second, the Planets scored four goals to build a lead that was never threatened in a 10-5 victory Saturday at Penn State University's Panzer Stadium.
The run began with one minute, 26 seconds left in the second quarter when Dylan Phillips scored to break a 4-4 tie. With just 12 seconds remaining in the half, Ian Coulter found the net against Warriors goalie Nick Blucher.
"We've been a second-half team all year, so scoring those two goals just before halftime gave us a lot of confidence," said Mars coach Bob Marcoux. "We took a deep breath and got ready for the second half."
And it took a mere seven seconds for Mars to strike again. Jack McKenzie won the faceoff to begin the second half before Enzo Grieco made it 7-4, one of his five goals in the game. Ben Bowser capped the flurry 91 seconds later.
Mars (21-2) will meet Lampeter Strasburg (20-3), which defeated South Fayette 13-11, in a semifinal Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the same venue.
Saturday's lead was left in the hands of Mars' defense and senior goalie Jonathan Grieco, who made five of his 10 saves in the second half, four of which came on uncontested shots fired from less than 20 feet.
"He doesn't get challenged a whole lot in the regular season, then comes out and plays like he did today in a state quarterfinal," said Marcoux. "I always tell him that he's a big-game goalie and he proved it today."
Grieco made a key stop in the third period while the Warriors were playing with a man-advantage. He then denied Dom Eckels and Doug Reinecke in the fourth.
"We have a ton of confidence in him and he's been lights out," said Phillips, who scored twice in the game.
The lone goal for Susquehannock in the second half came from Carter Kernan with 2:37 left in the third quarter. Enzo Grieco scored twice in the fourth for Mars. Ryan Blake also scored in the win.
Blucher had eight saves for the Warriors (17-4).
"We did better with faceoffs today and that helped keep us in the game," said Susquehannock coach Tom Mayne, "but we never found a rhythm with our shots."
The Planets led 4-2 in the second period when Ben Oestrike scored twice for the Warriors, his first goal coming against Mars backup goalie Luke Spreng, who entered the game when Jonathan Grieco was forced to sit for 30 seconds for not wearing his mouthpiece — an odd footnote to a triumphant day for the Planets.
Mars and Susquehannock also met in the quarterfinal round last year, with the Planets earning a 16-5 win en route to a state championship.
"That team we faced last year was the best high school team I've ever seen," said Mayne. "I don't think Mars is quite as good this year, but they're still very well-coached and have players who can do some damage."
Most importantly, the Planets remain in contention for a second straight state title.
"I was on the bench last year," said Phillips, a junior midfielder. "It feels awesome to be part of this."
